§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he proposes to take, in respect of his Department's circular CMO(80)2 of 21 February, 431W in the light of the unanimous judgment of the Court of Appeal concerning its illegality.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinThe Court of Appeal reversed a judgment of the High Court supporting the advice given by the Department in the letter of 21 February on the role of nurses and midwives in the termination of pregnancy of medical induction. Leave to appeal to the House of Lords was granted, and I am considering with the Law Officers whether or not to do so.
Until the matter is finally resolved I am suspending the guidance given in the letter.